RCFlyer55

My Feedback: (28)

I need to buy a new desktop because my laptop will not run RealFlight 5.5 I have been out of the loop for more than a few years and have no idea what to buy. Intel has Core i3, i5, i7, core 2 Duo, Core 2 Extreme, and core 2 Quad. AMD has Phenom II X4, Phenom II X2, Phenom II X4, and Phenom II X6. Knife Edge Software suggests at least a dual core processor with 2GB of RAM or more, and 512 MB of fully dedicated video memory (or more) is strongly recommended for best performance. They suggest for video cards:

From the GeForce 7000 Series: 7600GT, 7800GT, 7900GT
From the GeForce 8000 Series: 8600GT, 8800GT
From the GeForce 9000 Series: 9600GT, 9800GT
From the GeForce 200 Series: GTX or GTS 260 or higher
From the GeForce 300 Series: GTX or GTS 360 or higher
From the GeForce 400 Series: GTX or GTS 460 or higher

From the Radeon HD 4000 Series: Radeon HD 4600 or higher
From the Radeon HD 5000 Series: Radeon HD 5600 or higher




Also I will need to buy a video card, and a sound card. I would want a video card with HDMI output so I can fly on my flat screen. Ideally I would like to spend $600 or less if I can.
I will probably buy the desktop at Micro center but could buy online I guess.


ANY help and links would be greatly appreciated.

ocelot31454

You might consider an Asus MB and AMD duel core CPU. I suggest the Asus because 99% of the time it's ready to go right out of the box and most of their boards accept up to 8gb of ram. Keep in mind though that windows only reconizes 3.2 GB of ram. I really good source for computer parts is New Egg. If you send them an e-mail and tell them what you want to run they can tell you what you need to do it. hope this helps.

RCFlyer55

My Feedback: (28)

Thanks for the response. I think it is better for me to buy an already built computer then to build one myself.

ocelot31454

Warranty wise, that might be the best bet. I would recomend going to either a reputiable independent builder, Best Buy orStaples.Best buy would probably be the best bet. I'd take any softwear with you so they can see what the requirements are though. Good luck.

aerofly0610

everything depends on the level of detail you want.  I have an amd phenom2 x4, ati 5770 and 8gb of ddr2.  I have everything on high including physics.  I run 1920x1200 and about 90% of the time it is smooth.  RF does NOT work with eyefinity or surround view.

DO NOT use best buy or staples, they are sales people with some computer knowledge.  Either get an OEM (dell, HP, etc) that have engineers that troubleshooted compatibility already,, or do it yourself. 

Moontan13

If you just want a pre-built, Microcenter often has some good deals on refurbs. I normally build but I had to get a computer for my daughter then one for me. I chose a Gateway X4300 refurb both times with these specs:
Phenom 9750 Quad Core
8gb RAM
1 TB HDD
Radeon 4650 video
It was a pretty good deal for $499, and runs most new games. My maingaming computer has much lower specs that the Gateway, except for the video card which is a GTX 275.

Moontan13

The OP mentioned Microcenter which is a lot better than BB or Staples.

RCFlyer55

My Feedback: (28)

I think I found the pc but I'm still deciding on the video card. I'll have to replace the power supply because it's only 252W. Here is what I was thinking for the pc.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0338038


These are the video cards not sure which one.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0328873


http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0322337

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0329808

and this power supply
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0260161



I just found this one but I know nothing about AMD. It would save me from having to try to swap out the power supply ans video card.
http://www.circuitcity.com/applicat...7&sku=SYX-1045#

Moontan13

I get a 404 error on each of your links.
I didn't know Circuit City was still around. I kinda liked the one near me before they shut down.

aerofly0610

I checked out the microcenter website.   They are very limited in choices.  Have you looked at Newegg?  More choices and the prices should be the same or lower.  Also Newegg sells prebuilt systems, and barebones that you can customize. 

RCFlyer55

My Feedback: (28)

Links fixed.
I looked at newegg and wrote to them. They were less than helpful. None of the computers I lsaw said anything about having windows installed. Also the prices were close to Microcenter when including the shipping but at MC I can actually talk to someone and get answers.

Moontan13

I used to buy nearly everything from Newegg. They rarely have any price advantage anymore.

Moontan13

Some vid cards take a lot of power, others not so much.It's worth checking out before deciding. I'm using a Corsair TX750 which I got waaay back for $80 on sale. The GTX 275 vid card is power-hungry and needs separate dual power inputs, so that's why I went with the spendy PSU. If I were to build another computer, that PSU and video card would go in it.

going OT;; I can't assume that buying online is the cheapest way to go anymore. For my last 6 models and my Futaba 7C radio, the LHS's were less expensive than anywhere online. For some components, online had the upper hand. Same thing with computers and parts. One can't assume anymore.